"I am extremely passionate about animal welfare", Lambert-Gorwyn says. "I am a vegetarian and have recently made the decision to stop buying leather.

"I would love in the future to work for an ethical company, and this competition seemed like a great stepping stone and a fantastic platform to raise awareness of such an important issue."

The 22-year-old beat off stiff competition from as far-afield as Brazil to be crowned the winner.

Whitmore, who described the student's design as "slick and sophisticated", added: "I truly believe that the future of fashion lies in sustainable, cruelty-free materials.

"For someone who loves fashion and cares about animals, the great news is that from the catwalk to the high street, the availability of clothes and shoes made from faux leather and faux suede is on the rise."